m(Text replace - "filing fee to the party's State Executive Committee the candidate is affiliated with" to "filing fee to the State Executive Committee of the party with which the candidate is affiliated")

Elections for the office of [[Mississippi House of Representatives|Mississippi State Representative]] were held on [[State legislative elections, 2011|November 8, 2011]]. Each of the state's 122 representatives were up for election. Members are elected to [[Length of terms of state representatives| four-year terms]].

Elections for the office of [[Mississippi House of Representatives|Mississippi State Representative]] were held on [[State legislative elections, 2011|November 8, 2011]]. Each of the state's 122 representatives were up for election. Members are elected to [[Length of terms of state representatives| four-year terms]].

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Although the decennial US Census occurred in 2010, Mississippi's legislative election will take place under the state's Census 2000 maps. Due to political conflicts, the legislature was unable to redraw legislative boundaries in time for the 2011 election. In March, the NAACP filed an injunction to block elections under the old maps, arguing that maps do not reflect current population figures. However, a ruling in May ordered the elections to proceed under the old maps. [[Redistricting in Mississippi|Redistricting]] will be revisited after the 2012 election.<ref>[http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110518/OPINION01/105180316/Redistricting-Status-quo-inequity?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Home|s ''Clarion Ledger'', "Redistricting: Status quo of inequity", May 17, 2011]</ref>

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Although the decennial US Census occurred in 2010, Mississippi's legislative election took place under the state's Census 2000 maps. Due to political conflicts, the legislature was unable to redraw legislative boundaries in time for the 2011 election. In March, the NAACP filed an injunction to block elections under the old maps, arguing that maps do not reflect current population figures. However, a ruling in May ordered the elections to proceed under the old maps. [[Redistricting in Mississippi|Redistricting]] will be revisited after the 2012 election.<ref>[http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110518/OPINION01/105180316/Redistricting-Status-quo-inequity?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Home|s ''Clarion Ledger'', "Redistricting: Status quo of inequity," May 17, 2011]</ref>

[[Mississippi]] is just one of four states that held state house elections in 2011. The other three states that hold their state house elections in odd-numbered years are [[New Jersey General Assembly elections, 2011|New Jersey]], [[Louisiana House of Representatives elections, 2011|Louisiana]] and [[Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2011|Virginia]].

[[Mississippi]] is just one of four states that held state house elections in 2011. The other three states that hold their state house elections in odd-numbered years are [[New Jersey General Assembly elections, 2011|New Jersey]], [[Louisiana House of Representatives elections, 2011|Louisiana]] and [[Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2011|Virginia]].

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Candidates wishing to run for the [[Mississippi House of Representatives]] were required to file their [[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2011 state government elections|nominating signatures or candidate filing fees]] by June 1. The state primary election took place on Tuesday, August 2, 2011. As they become available, candidate information and primary results will be reflected on this page.

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Candidates wishing to run for the [[Mississippi House of Representatives]] were required to file their [[Signature requirements and deadlines for 2011 state government elections|nominating signatures or candidate filing fees]] by June 1. The state primary election took place on Tuesday, August 2, 2011.

::''See also: [[Mississippi State Senate elections, 2011]]''

::''See also: [[Mississippi State Senate elections, 2011]]''

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==Primary runoffs==

==Primary runoffs==

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The following four districts required a run-off election on August 23 to select which candidate advanced to the general election. The runoff winner is bolded.<ref>[http://www.sunherald.com/2011/08/23/3370875/legislative-incumbents-toppled.html ''Sun Herald'' "Legislative incumbents toppled," August 23, 2011]</ref>

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The following four districts required a runoff election on August 23 to select which candidate advanced to the general election. The runoff winner is bolded.<ref>[http://www.sunherald.com/2011/08/23/3370875/legislative-incumbents-toppled.html ''Sun Herald'', "Legislative incumbents toppled," August 23, 2011]</ref>

Going into the November 2011 elections, the [[Republican Party]] was the majority party in 31 state houses. One chamber (Nebraska) is officially non-partisan and in one chamber (Alaska), several Republicans vote with a caucus other than the Republican caucus. In 19 states, the [[Democratic Party]] held the majority party. The [[Mississippi House of Representatives]] was one of the 19 chambers with a Democratic Party majority.

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Going into the November 2011 elections, the [[Republican Party]] was the majority party in 31 state houses. One chamber (Nebraska) is officially nonpartisan and in one chamber (Alaska), several Republicans vote with a caucus other than the Republican caucus. In 19 states, the [[Democratic Party]] held the majority party. The [[Mississippi House of Representatives]] was one of the 19 chambers with a Democratic Party majority.

In the other 3 states with state house elections in 2011 ([[Louisiana House of Representatives elections, 2011|Louisiana]], [[New Jersey General Assembly elections, 2011|New Jersey]] and [[Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2011|Virginia]]), the [[Republican Party]] held the majority in [[Louisiana]] and [[Virginia]], while the [[Democratic Party]] was the majority party in [[New Jersey]].

In the other 3 states with state house elections in 2011 ([[Louisiana House of Representatives elections, 2011|Louisiana]], [[New Jersey General Assembly elections, 2011|New Jersey]] and [[Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2011|Virginia]]), the [[Republican Party]] held the majority in [[Louisiana]] and [[Virginia]], while the [[Democratic Party]] was the majority party in [[New Jersey]].

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{{mshousepartisan11}}

{{mshousepartisan11}}

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After the 2011 election, the Republican Party took control of the [[Mississippi House of Representatives]] for the first time since reconstruction.<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204224604577028412179879088.html?mod=googlenews_wsj ''Wall Street Journal'' "Mississippi House Likely to See Shift in Power," November 9, 2011]</ref>

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After the 2011 election, the Republican Party took control of the [[Mississippi House of Representatives]] for the first time since reconstruction.<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204224604577028412179879088.html?mod=googlenews_wsj ''Wall Street Journal'', "Mississippi House Likely to See Shift in Power," November 9, 2011]</ref>

===House control===

===House control===

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The Democratic Party has controlled the [[Mississippi House of Representatives]] since Reconstruction. This fall may present the first opportunity for the GOP to capture the chamber. Democrats have a 13-seat advantage heading into the election. In the [[State legislative elections, 2010|2010 elections]] Republicans enjoyed sweeping gains across the country and in particular in southern states. According to an August 2011 ''Wall Street Journal'' article, Republicans have identified 21 House seats to target on November 8, 2011. Tim Saler, executive director of the state GOP, said the party plans to spend more than $1 million supporting candidates.<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904279004576526330853684332.html?mod=googlenews_wsj ''Wall Street Journal'' "Mississippi Republicans Aim for a Sweep in State," August 25, 2011]</ref> Meanwhile, Richard Wilbourn, an attorney, is leading a tea party effort called "Move the House" to help candidates in Democratic-held districts where [[Governor of Mississippi|Governor]] [[Haley Barbour]] received at least 50 percent in 2007.<ref>[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/news/ap/politics/2011/Aug/10/tea_party_targets_some_dem_seats_in_miss__house.html ''Real Clear Politics'' "Tea party targets some Dem seats in Miss. House," August 10, 2011]</ref>

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The Democratic Party has controlled the [[Mississippi House of Representatives]] since Reconstruction. This fall may present the first opportunity for the GOP to capture the chamber. Democrats have a 13-seat advantage heading into the election. In the [[State legislative elections, 2010|2010 elections]] Republicans enjoyed sweeping gains across the country and in particular in southern states. According to an August 2011 ''Wall Street Journal'' article, Republicans have identified 21 House seats to target on November 8, 2011. Tim Saler, executive director of the state GOP, said the party plans to spend more than $1 million supporting candidates.<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904279004576526330853684332.html?mod=googlenews_wsj ''Wall Street Journal'', "Mississippi Republicans Aim for a Sweep in State," August 25, 2011]</ref> Meanwhile, Richard Wilbourn, an attorney, is leading a tea party effort called "Move the House" to help candidates in Democratic-held districts where [[Governor of Mississippi|Governor]] [[Haley Barbour]] received at least 50 percent in 2007.<ref>[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/news/ap/politics/2011/Aug/10/tea_party_targets_some_dem_seats_in_miss__house.html ''Real Clear Politics'', "Tea party targets some Dem seats in Miss. House," August 10, 2011]</ref>

The following 21 incumbents (14 Democrats, 7 Republicans) won their primaries:

The following 21 incumbents (14 Democrats, 7 Republicans) won their primaries:

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* Be a qualified elector and resident of the State of [[Mississippi]] for four years.

* Be a qualified elector and resident of the State of [[Mississippi]] for four years.

* Be a resident of the county or district a candidate plans to represent for two years.

* Be a resident of the county or district a candidate plans to represent for two years.

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* If running as a [[Republican Party|Republican]] or [[Democratic Party|Democrat]], pay a $15 filing fee to the party's State Executive Committee the candidate is affiliated with.

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* If running as a [[Republican Party|Republican]] or [[Democratic Party|Democrat]], pay a $15 filing fee to the State Executive Committee of the party with which the candidate is affiliated.

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* If running as an independent, submit 50 signatures to the Circuit Clerk or the [[Mississippi Secretary of State|Secretary of State]]<ref>[http://www.sos.state.ms.us/elections/qual_feesmscands.asp ''Mississippi Secretary of State'' "Filing Fees and Qualifications"]</ref>.

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* If running as an independent, submit 50 signatures to the Circuit Clerk or the [[Mississippi Secretary of State|Secretary of State]]<ref>[http://www.sos.state.ms.us/elections/qual_feesmscands.asp ''Mississippi Secretary of State'', "Filing Fees and Qualifications"]</ref>.

*[http://www.sos.ms.gov/links/elections/results/statewide/MS%20House%20of%20Rep%20SINGLE%20COUNTY%20-%20General%20Election%202011%20Results.pdf ''Mississippi Secretary of State'', Official General Election Results - Single County State House of Representatives Offices]

*[http://www.sos.ms.gov/links/elections/results/statewide/MS%20House%20of%20Rep%20SINGLE%20COUNTY%20-%20General%20Election%202011%20Results.pdf ''Mississippi Secretary of State'', Official General Election Results - Single County State House of Representatives Offices]

*[http://www.sos.ms.gov/links/elections/results/statewide/MS%20House%20of%20Rep%20MULTI%20COUNTY%20-%20General%20Election%202011%20Results.pdf ''Mississippi Secretary of State'', Official General Election Results - State House of Representatives (Multi-County Districts)]

*[http://www.sos.ms.gov/links/elections/results/statewide/MS%20House%20of%20Rep%20MULTI%20COUNTY%20-%20General%20Election%202011%20Results.pdf ''Mississippi Secretary of State'', Official General Election Results - State House of Representatives (Multi-County Districts)]

Although the decennial US Census occurred in 2010, Mississippi's legislative election took place under the state's Census 2000 maps. Due to political conflicts, the legislature was unable to redraw legislative boundaries in time for the 2011 election. In March, the NAACP filed an injunction to block elections under the old maps, arguing that maps do not reflect current population figures. However, a ruling in May ordered the elections to proceed under the old maps. Redistricting will be revisited after the 2012 election.[1]

Mississippi is just one of four states that held state house elections in 2011. The other three states that hold their state house elections in odd-numbered years are New Jersey, Louisiana and Virginia.

Majority control

Going into the November 2011 elections, the Republican Party was the majority party in 31 state houses. One chamber (Nebraska) is officially nonpartisan and in one chamber (Alaska), several Republicans vote with a caucus other than the Republican caucus. In 19 states, the Democratic Party held the majority party. The Mississippi House of Representatives was one of the 19 chambers with a Democratic Party majority.

House control

The Democratic Party has controlled the Mississippi House of Representatives since Reconstruction. This fall may present the first opportunity for the GOP to capture the chamber. Democrats have a 13-seat advantage heading into the election. In the 2010 elections Republicans enjoyed sweeping gains across the country and in particular in southern states. According to an August 2011 Wall Street Journal article, Republicans have identified 21 House seats to target on November 8, 2011. Tim Saler, executive director of the state GOP, said the party plans to spend more than $1 million supporting candidates.[4] Meanwhile, Richard Wilbourn, an attorney, is leading a tea party effort called "Move the House" to help candidates in Democratic-held districts where GovernorHaley Barbour received at least 50 percent in 2007.[5]

TEA Party seeks control

In early September the Mississippi TEA Party announced they were specifically targeting six incumbent Democrats for defeat as part of their "Move the House" effort to put the chamber in conservative control.[6]
The five are as follows:

Retiring incumbents

Eighteen incumbent representatives did not run for re-election, while 104 (85.3%) ran for re-election. Of the 18 incumbents who did not run for re-election, 3 are Democrats, 6 are Republicans, and one is an independent.

Primary competitiveness

Primary contests in the Mississippi House remained fairly constant since the last election. As in 2007, roughly 2/3 of the state's major party candidates will proceed to the general election without a primary challenge. In addition, over 1/4 of possible primaries will not be held, since no candidate is running. Of the 168 party primaries, only 51 feature two or more candidates competing for the nomination. On top of that, 75 party primaries will not be held because no candidate is running.

Comparing Contested Primaries of past MS Senate Elections

Democrats

Republicans

Total

2007

2011

2007

2011

2007

2011

Open Contested

9

8

11

15

20

23

Open Uncontested

12

21

27

19

39

40

Incumbent Contested

23

18

10

10

33

28

Incumbent Uncontested

51

40

26

37

77

77

No candidates

27

35

48

41

75

76

Total contested

32

26

21

25

53

51

Total uncontested

63

61

53

56

116

117

Qualifications

In order to run for the Mississippi House of Representatives, a candidate must:

Be 21 years of age or older.

Be a qualified elector and resident of the State of Mississippi for four years.

Be a resident of the county or district a candidate plans to represent for two years.

If running as a Republican or Democrat, pay a $15 filing fee to the State Executive Committee of the party with which the candidate is affiliated.

Campaign contributions

This chart shows how many candidates ran for the state House in Mississippi in past years and the cumulative amount of campaign contributions in state House races, including contributions in both primary and general election contests. All figures come from Follow The Money.[8]